Embryonic stem cell research involves destroying live embryos (which Catholics view as human beings) and utilizing parts of the embryos for medical research. Given that recent advances in technology have shown that stem cells can now be obtained from adults and other sources without the destruction of any human life, it is mind-boggling that the government is now proposing that we start using federal funding for embryonic stem cell research.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) have posted a set of proposed guidelines for embryonic stem cell research and are currently asking for public comments. The deadline for comments is May 26. Please read and learn more about this issue and consider submitting comments that would help stem cell research proceed without destroying embryos.
The Catholic bishops have put together a helpful website, Oppose Destructive Stem Cell Research, that provides resources, additional reading, official documents, and a link to send your comments to the Senate and House.
The full text of the draft guidelines proposed by the NIH were published in the Federal Register. The NIH overview of stem cell research is available on the NIH website.
Please take the time to read these references and then contact both the NIH and Congress with your comments. We are very fortunate in the US to have a democratic process, but this only works well if people make their voices heard. The federal government is asking for your input now, so please respond.
Posted by APWeb 
